Star Plus is all set to launch its new daily drama Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad on June 6 at 8 PM, with Abrar Qazi and Afia Tayebali in the lead roles. The title and early buzz promised a fresh and distinct storyline, aiming to break away from the typical soap opera mold. However, the latest promo suggests otherwise—and fans are voicing their disappointment.
The promo introduces us to Katha, a nature-loving, determined woman who aspires to build a career in the herbal and organic wellness industry. Her passion for flora and fauna leads her to distribute organic herbs to help cure illnesses—an admirable and socially relevant mission.
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But things quickly take a regressive turn. Uvi, her husband, mocks her for her interests and later complains about her to Mr. Jindal, the family patriarch. Mr. Jindal firmly tells Katha that in his household, bahus (daughters-in-law) are expected to be homemakers—not working women.
As Katha’s career dreams come crashing down, she finds herself trapped in a household where independence is discouraged and personal ambition is seen as rebellion. To make things worse, Uvi seems to enjoy her helplessness, hinting at a toxic marriage dynamic from the start.
A Tired Trope or a Turning Point?
Television has long been criticized for reinforcing outdated gender roles, and this plot echoes that concern. The message—that marriage marks the end of a woman’s professional journey—is disheartening, especially in a society that’s steadily progressing toward gender equality.
While it’s possible the makers are setting the stage for Katha’s eventual empowerment and rebellion, the promo doesn’t inspire much hope. If the show immediately falls into the saas-bahu trap and paints Katha as yet another victim of household politics, it risks losing the audience that tuned in expecting a new narrative.
Can the Show Recover?
The lead pair—Abrar Qazi, known for his intense performances, and Afia Tayebali, a promising fresh face—could be the show’s saving grace. If the creators choose to use this conflict as a launchpad for Katha’s fight for autonomy and self-worth, the show might still carve a space for itself in the competitive prime-time slot.
But that will require smart writing, realistic character development, and, above all, a departure from age-old regressive storytelling.
Will Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad become a tale of transformation or another victim of outdated television formulas? Tune in from 6th June at 8 PM on Star Plus to find out.